"I asked John Hartson whether he had heard the news and the big man just cried and cried. We gave each other a cuddle.

BOBBY GOULD, APPOINTED SPEED AS WALES CAPTAIN IN 1995

"He was a star in the true sense. I've rarely come across a better balanced, lovely, genuine person.

HOWARD WILKINSON,

FORMER LEEDS MANAGER

"I am totally devastated. Gary Speed was one of the nicest men in football and someone I am honoured to call a team- mate and friend.

RYAN GIGGS,

FORMER WALES TEAM-MATE

"We waved at each other a couple of days ago dropping our kids off at school. I'm numb."

MICHAEL OWEN,

MANCHESTER UNITED STRIKER

"Gary was a fantastic footballer and more importantly a decent fella. There will be a lot of people saddened by what has happened. The most important people are his wife and two boys and my heart goes out to them."